Project summary

The project is studying the status of threatened marine (green, hawksbill and flatback) turtles and dugongs in the Torres Strait and threats to these populations. The researchers will investigate links between different populations of dugongs and turtles in terms of movement and habitat use. They will also assess the abundance of dugongs in the Torres Strait using aerial surveys.

Dugong

The significance of the GBR for dugongs and turtles was one of the reasons for its World Heritage listing.

Why this research is needed

The project will improve stakeholder understanding, capacity and skills to better manage these priority species and provide valuable data that is useable and understandable to those making decisions about turtles and dugongs.

Research-user focus

The project aims to enhance the ability of government and community to manage these threatened species and also add value to the evolving dugong and turtle management plans and the Torres Strait Land and Sea Ranger Program. Identified research users include the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Queensland Government.

Outcomes

The project should lead to the following outcomes:

Improved population viability and stability of marine turtles and dugongs.

Photos

Datasets

This dataset shows a raster spatial model of the distribution and relative density of dugongs (Dugong dugong) in the Torres Strait region based on an aggregate of 24 years (1987 - 2011) of systematic aerial surveys.

This dataset shows (1) a raster spatial model of the distribution and relative density of dugongs (Dugong dugong) in the Torres Strait region based on an aggregate of 27 years (1987 - 2013) of systematic aerial surveys; and (2) a raster spatial model of th

The project will determine the status of threatened marine (green, hawksbill and flatback) turtles and dugongs in the Torres Strait and threats to these populations. It also will investigate links between different populations of dugongs and turtles in terms of movement and habitat use. They will also assess the abundance of dugongs in the Torres Strait using aerial surveys.

Working in conjunction with the Torres Strait Regional Authorities (TSRA) Land and Sea Unit and the TSRA Community Ranger program this project will: